Just as some fans were growing skeptical of last week’s report that the Falcons were planning to bench quarterback Marcus Mariota, head coach Arthur Smith confirmed the QB change during his Monday press conference.
Smith also indicated that Mariota is likely to go on the injured reserve list due to a knee issue unrelated to the benching. Logan Woodside, who was recently signed off the Titans’ practice squad, will take over as the team’s No. 2 quarterback behind Ridder.
Falcons fans have been calling for the team to bench Mariota for weeks, and many were relieved to see Smith officially name Ridder as the starter.
Performance based. AKA. Mariota was bad. https://t.co/DzRJ6QYQRq
— Scott Carasik (@CarasikS) December 12, 2022
The Falcons aren't sure if Marcus Mariota will return to the team this season.
— Josh Kendall (@JoshTheAthletic) December 12, 2022
I don’t believe him at all. Me personally I would’ve started Ridder based off performance, but now we know why Desmond Ridder is starting. MM going to IR with an injury. I fully believe AS wouldn’t have made the move if MM wasn’t hurt. https://t.co/nxpiYPQj01
— JazzyJeffRealTalk (@JazzyJeffRealT1) December 12, 2022
LETS GOOOOOOO
— Carlton (@CrispyCarlton) December 12, 2022
LFG‼️‼️🔴⚫️🅰️ pic.twitter.com/Hld4wh458L
— J-Dawg🤙(DIRTYBIRDNATION🔴⚫️) (@JustinBlalockD1) December 12, 2022
— Tristan White (@TornadoezWX) December 12, 2022
I need a Ridder masterclass next Sunday 🙏 https://t.co/a5PS9SknKn
— Matthew (@double_deck3) December 12, 2022
Music to my ears ! https://t.co/XZU3eoxzcP
— Rio (@_FALCOHOL_) December 12, 2022
Our long national nightmare is over https://t.co/x7soyl58S3
— Jack Fitzgibbons (@JackFitz_23) December 12, 2022
Let. Him. Cook. 🔥 https://t.co/fgLw1KLjnP
— David Leoni (@DavidLeoni) December 12, 2022
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/CwSUiB5vsH pic.twitter.com/93RQzkX7Dw
— ♊️🔥Retro Boomin 🔥♊ (@MasonDaGemini93) December 12, 2022
HUGE W https://t.co/f0HXpThf8X
— Elijah ☭ (@Eliasfye) December 12, 2022
— Devind (@dclightsout) December 12, 2022
Very excited to see what this kid has to offer!! Cautiously optimistic
— Beadle (@beadle_mark) December 12, 2022
Watch: Falcons HC Arthur Smith names Desmond Ridder the starting QB https://t.co/bbYmznF5Tm
— The Falcons Wire (@TheFalconsWire) December 12, 2022
5 takeaways from Arthur Smith’s Monday press conference https://t.co/4SANXCQgOZ
— The Falcons Wire (@TheFalconsWire) December 12, 2022
